POST #7 READING, GRQ AND DISCUSSION– THEATER OF THE PEOPLE

In “Theater of the People” from Henry M. Sayre’s, I think Sayre really highlights the true power of theater as a tool for social change and cultural expression. He discusses how theater has been a platform for marginalized voices, allowing them to share their stories and challenge societal norms. This idea really resonates with me because I believe storytelling is such a crucial part of understanding different perspectives.

For example, Sayre mentions how theater was used in ancient Greece not just for entertainment but also as a way to engage the public in discussions about morality and politics. This is similar to modern-day movements, like those we see in street theater or community performances, where artists tackle issues like racial inequality, gender identity, and environmental justice. It’s amazing how these performances can bring awareness to critical issues and inspire audiences to think differently.

I also appreciate how Sayre points out that theater often reflects the values and struggles of its time. Today, we see this in works like "Hamilton", which reimagines American history and makes it relatable to contemporary audiences. It’s a reminder that theater can bridge gaps between past and present, making history feel alive and relevant.

Overall, I think the “Theater of the People” emphasizes that theater is more than just a form of entertainment; it’s a powerful medium for dialogue and change. It’s pretty cool and interesting to see how this tradition continues today, giving voice to diverse stories and almost fostering empathy and embrace change in our complex and frustrating world.

GRQ:

1. Greeks

2. Homer

3. Iliad, Trojan War

4. arete

5. Iliad 

6. Iliad, Odyssey

7. gods

8. induction

9. Pericles

10. Plato

11. Republic

12. Phaedrus

13. Dionysus

14. Satyr play

15. Old Comedy

16. Tragedies

17. human suffering, dead

18. Thespis, thespian

19. protagonist, antagonist 

20. Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripideses

21. Dionysus

22. Plato

23. catharsis 

24. Golden Mean

25. verisimilitude

26. three unities

27. decorum

28. Intermezzi

29. Opera

30. elite

31. masquerades

32. modernism

33. modern opera

34. Wagner

POST #6 LECTURE BAROQUE THEATRE - MODERN OPERA

When it comes to operas and musicals, I think it's really important to differentiate between the two, even though they share some similarities. Operas focus heavily on singing, often without much spoken dialogue, while musicals blend songs, dialogue, and dance to tell a story. Costumes are heavily important and create a performance that's engaging and unique. One of the many clear distinctions is that operas do not use microphones, so performers have to project their voices using extensive training. In contrast, musicals typically employ microphones to enhance the singers' voices, making it easier for audiences to hear every note.

Baroque theatre played a significant role in the evolution of both opera and musical theatre. Originating in the 17th century, it was characterized by elaborate sets, dramatic lighting, and heightened emotional expression. Baroque theatre emphasized spectacle and grandeur, which set the stage for the opulent productions we see in operas today. The use of music, drama, and visual art in Baroque theatre created a foundation for the development of operatic forms. Additionally, the storytelling techniques and themes explored during this period can still be felt in modern musicals, where the blend of visual artistry and narrative continues to thrive. The influence of Baroque theatre reminds us that both operas and musicals are deeply rooted in a rich history of theatrical innovation, highlighting how these genres have evolved while maintaining their connection to past artistic movements.

In addition, the difference lies in the style of music, I think. Opera usually features classical compositions, whereas musicals can encompass a variety of genres, from pop to rock. For example, Broadway hits like Hamilton and Wicked showcase a range of contemporary musical styles, making them accessible to a broader audience. Whereas, Phantom of the Opera presents a "unique story" some might say.. While its fancy production and sweeping score might give it an operatic feel, it incorporates spoken dialogue and a more modern musical style, suggesting that it fits better in the musical category, I think. This blend of elements has led some to argue that it is not a pure opera. In my opinion, it’s important to differentiate between these two forms of art. 

Many people consider "The Phantom of the Opera" to be one of the greatest operas ever created. However, others argue that it leans more toward being a musical. The music in "Phantom" is definitely more theatrical and accessible than traditional opera. While the emotional weight of the story is there, the structure of the piece and the way it's presented make me lean toward calling it a musical.

 On the pro side, "Phantom" has unforgettable melodies and a gripping narrative that draws you in, making it popular with a wide audience. It features beautiful arias and duets that are reminiscent of operatic styles, which is why some people claim it deserves the title of opera. I think its super interesting how they used the masks too. However, the integration of dialogue and the focus on staging are hallmarks of musicals rather than operas. Other popular musicals like "Hamilton" and "Les Misérables" "Lion King" to "Wicked" also showcase this blend of storytelling and music, using a mix of genres that keeps them fresh and engaging.

So, is "Phantom" the greatest opera ever created? I’d say no. While it has operatic elements, it’s ultimately a modern musical that borrows from opera. The way it combines classical and contemporary influences is impressive, but it doesn't fit neatly into the opera category. Recognizing the distinctions between these art forms helps us appreciate each for what they truly are. Operas fully embrace the “operatic form” with their dramatic vocal performances and orchestration. It’s fascinating to see how these art forms have evolved together, influencing each other over the years, while still maintaining their unique identities separating them. 

While I may not be heavily into operas or musicals myself, I can recognize the hard work and dedication that go into crafting these narratives and stories within operas and musicals. The creativity and talent involved are truly incredible and deserve appreciation, regardless of the classification. Each form offers a unique way to engage with art and storytelling, making them both significant in their own way.

POST #5 - READING - GRQ - DISCUSSION - THE ART OF INDIGENOUS AMERICANS ART HISTORY: A CENTURY OF EXHIBITIONS

NATIVE AMERICAN ART

America has a complicated history of using the achievements of others, especially when it comes to Indigenous art. Often, this art has been used to distract from current issues while promoting a view of “American achievement and culture.” For instance, during times of war, like World War II, interest in Native art increased as it was highlighted to shift attention away from the chaos in Europe and counter negative feelings about wartime countries. Artists like Marsden Hartley and John Sloan became popular during this period, reinforcing the idea that America was built on Native American soil, its own culture rich with history. 

Indigenous art also gained recognition during various feminist movements, showing the connection between cultural identity and social justice. While it’s important to celebrate Indigenous art, this appreciation should happen all the time—not just during moments of conflict. Engaging with Native art allows us to recognize the stories and perspectives it holds. This art isn’t just a tool for distraction; it’s a vibrant expression of culture, history, and resilience as well. Slowly but surely, it is coming back with recognition and is much deserved. By consistently embracing Indigenous art, we acknowledge its vital role in America’s history and culture, promoting a deeper understanding of the diverse influences that shape our society. Ultimately, the value of Indigenous art goes beyond its beauty; it reminds us of America’s rich cultural diversity and the need to continuously support Indigenous voices and their contributions.

The article explores a deepened and wide exploration of the relationships between Indigenous art and American art history, highlighting different key exhibitions in the past century from the 1920s to the 2000s. Native American art is often marginalized and separated from the rest in U.S. museums compared to other arts. This could seem quite offensive to some making it seem like they arent apart of American history almost but some might think its separated due to the impact they have made and how they have truly defined art.

The article divides Indigenous art history into three periods, exploring how Native art was celebrated for its "American" identity post World War 1 and then it regained attention during the Civil Rights era. The article states for greater recognition of Native art in mainstream American art with a focus on contemporary Native artists.

Initially, in the early 20th century, Native art was celebrated as a symbol of American originality, with significant exhibitions like the 1931 Exposition of Indian Tribal Arts. Interest spiralled in the 1950s but later revived in the 1970s with movements like Civil Rights and "Red Power," leading to prominent shows such as "Two American Painters" and "American Indian Art: Form and Tradition." 

Despite this, Native art has often been segregated in museums, with institutions like the Denver Art Museum making notable efforts to integrate contemporary works. Overall, while Native American art has gained recognition, however, it sadly still remains inconsistent.

 GRQ: 

1. Native
2. Institutions
3. Indigenous art
4. Indigenous cultures
5. Authenticity
6. Pueblo Woman
7. Museum of Modern Art
8. Multiculturalism
9. Artists like Fritz Scholder and Linda Lomahaftewa
10. Sculpture and the Native American
11.Native American art
12. Marginalization  
13. New generation of scholars

ROMAN ENTERTAINMENT - GOTHIC THEATRE

DISCUSSION: 

Repeated exposure to violent entertainment, whether through ancient Rome or to playing video games in the present, to watching UFC on the weekends. This outcome potentially has a risk and could numb individuals to the consequences of real-life aggression and let them think it's okay to act on them. Violence has become a form of entertainment that may lead to society viewing it as acceptable or even admirable, eroding ethical boundaries, and cultural boundaries. Why do we as humans resort to violence in general? Are we that bored? What causes this infliction of pain on others.

 

 

By embedding violence since Earth was born basically, societies create a self-perpetuating cycle where future generations continue to see violence as a normative part of life or entertainment. Its almost our instinct you could say. In the modern context, there is concern that children exposed to violent video games might develop a distorted understanding of conflict resolution, empathy, and social interaction, examples of negative outcomes would be school shootings. 

  

Combating violence related to media and addressing the rise in school shootings requires an approach that includes education, regulation, mental health support, and community involvement. This is one way we can teach people and for our future generations that violence is not the answer, whether it's for plain entertainment or a response. I think banning anything regarding violence like tightening gun laws everywhere, also by addressing these issues from multiple angles, it is possible to reduce the impact of violence and promote safer environments for individuals and communities. We cannot escape media. Media is everywhere. modern concerns revolve around the psychological impact of virtual violence rather than acting upon it. Not saying it’s better now, but we clearly have abided through this in the past and its getting better and I think there's potential to get even better. 

POST #4 - LECTURE - NATIVE AMERICAN - GOTHIC ARCHITECTURE

Native American architecture is often oversimplified, with many picturing only teepees. But the reality was much more complex. Native American communities built all kinds of structures depending on their environment and needs. For example, the Iroquois in the Northeast built longhouses, while the Hopi and Zuni in the Southwest built adobe pueblos. These homes weren’t just practical; they reflected Native American spirituality and their deep connection to nature.

Native Americans believed in animism—the idea that all living things, natural objects, and forces had spirits. This belief extended to their architecture. They used materials that blended with the environment, like clay, earth, and wood, symbolizing their respect for nature, which they called "Mother Earth." Homes didn’t just provide shelter but also embodied a spiritual harmony with the land. It’s fascinating to see how this idea of building in balance with nature influenced how they lived and interacted with the world around them.

The Roman Colosseum, an impressive arena that ultimately fell to an earthquake, served as a site for brutal battles, often featuring prisoners and slaves forced into fights for survival. Comparable to today's Super Bowl, it showcased halftime events involving the slaughter of exotic animals, followed by a dramatic finale where the arena was flooded for cleanup. The Romans revolutionized architecture with their use of domes, arches, and vaults, setting the stage for future innovations. The Byzantine Empire built on these ideas, employing squinches and pendentives to support domes on square buildings, as seen in the magnificent Hagia Sophia, which later inspired Gothic architecture. While the Colosseum focused on spectacle, the architectural legacies of the Romans and Byzantines, alongside Native American structures that emphasized harmony with nature, illustrate the diverse ways cultures express their spirituality and values through design. In addition, Gothic architecture, which thrived in Europe from the 12th to the 16th centuries, took a different approach but was also deeply tied to spiritual beliefs. While Native American structures were designed to blend with nature, Gothic cathedrals aimed to transcend it and aim higher (literally). The architects of these towering structures wanted to make people feel closer to the heavens. Features like rib vaults and flying buttresses allowed cathedrals to rise to incredible heights. This created a sense of elevation you could say, symbolizing a desire to reach beyond this realm and connect with the divine itself. I think it’s interesting to see this contrast: Native American structures embraced the earth and natural light, while Gothic architecture used light and height to create a space that felt closer to the heavens.

Both architectural styles, despite their differences, share a common purpose: connecting the physical world with the spiritual. Native American homes were built with respect for the spirits in the natural world, reflecting their belief in living in harmony with nature. Gothic cathedrals, on the other hand, were designed to lift worshipers’ eyes—and spirits—toward the sky, creating a connection with God.

A Gothic cathedral must include specific design elements: it is typically shaped like a cross with an open back, features a round rose window made of stained glass, and has sharp spires visible from multiple angles. Ribbed vaults support long passageways, while flying buttresses provide structural support for the large stained glass windows. Gargoyles serve both as water spouts and protectors against evil spirits. The cathedral houses a relic—often of a famous saint—and is overseen by a bishop, whose chair is essential. The choir consists of young boys, as no girls were allowed, and the three entrances symbolize the Holy Trinity. Vaulted ceilings are also a hallmark of this architectural style.

Even though these two styles seem very different, they both remind us that architecture is more than just building a space to live in. It’s about reflecting the values and beliefs of the people who create it. Native American and Gothic architecture each offer a glimpse into how different cultures used design to express their spiritual connections with the world around them.

QUIZ #1

1. Macy Welsh 
2. Animism
3. Story Telling
4. Teepees
5. Greeks
6. Homeric epic, The Iliad
7. Iliad 
8. Homeric epic
9. Socrates 
10. Allegory of the cave 
11. skene 
12. theatre
13. satyr play
14. the protagonist and antagonist 
15. golden mean?
16. Theatre of Dionysus 
17. The Romans
18. Pendentive
19. Gothic Cathedral
20. Baroque
21. Orchestra Pit
22. Operas
23. Opera
24. Akhenaten
25. Richard Wagner 

POST #3 - CREATIVITY ARTICLE AND ITS SUMMARY - GRQ

I think it's interesting that people believe that as a society, the internet creates problems and doesn't help us be creative in the world of art/filmmaking, etc. Personally, we can't escape it and have to embrace it. Originality truly doesn't exist, I don't think, because as Cuero says, we have to look back at nature for inspiration. Is that originality? I don't think so. However, its also interesting that we as humans continue to go back to history and use it to our advantage, so to some extent it is useful. 

The article also explains that creativity which involves both brainstorming new ideas and evaluating them after.  Researchers studied how the brain works during creative thinking and found that more creative people have stronger connections between three brain networks: “The “default”, salience, and executive networks. “ - this basically means one is for daydreaming, one for focusing, and one that switches between those two. These connections help creative people think in ways others might not. Let’s say a thinker who doesn’t engage in being spontaneous,, questioning, engaging and acting upon it. This lets creative people reach boundaries that others might not even think about; it’s all about experimenting almost. The study suggests that creative brains are wired differently, but it's unclear if these connections can be strengthened with practice. The article also states, the results match recent brain studies of artists, like jazz musicians improvising throughout their performance, poets writing, and visual artists. 

1.TRUE

2.FALSE

3.FALSE

4.TRUE

5.FALSE

6.TRUE

7.TRUE

8.TRUE

POST #2 - RAUL CUERO- DISCUSSION

Raul Cuero teaches us many different life lessons through the experience of failure. His ideas are truly something everyone should adhere to and put into our daily lives. Using intensity and passion lets you succeed. Just gaining such information and hearing it doesn't do enough. Cuero stresses that the knowledge you gain only is valuable if you apply it in your life. Cuero stresses that nature is super important, creating innovation and adaptability for humans. He looks at cockroaches and animals to mimic the way they live and how throughout his many inventions, he adapts and innovates these creations from nature. Cuero points out that children today lack creativity because they spend too much time indoors. He believes that interacting with nature and socializing is vital to sparking creativity in young minds that are our future. His life gives us an example of how difficulties in your personal life may spur invention and growth, and that creativity arises from a deep awareness of one's place in the natural world and an unwavering commitment to learning and using new concepts rather than from intellectual supremacy. We apply these concepts in our daily lives by engaging in curiosity. We can engage in activities with friends and families. Go on walks of nature. We embrace these challenges, whether it's in our personal lives, education, our health and plenty more. 

CHAT

LUCK OR LEGEND?

St. Petersburg, Florida, has been spared significant hurricane damage for more than a century; recent storms such as Irma and Ian have only had minor effects. Some locals say this is because of a supposed "energy vortex" that protects the area, or the burial mounds of the Tocobaga tribe. Professor Anna Guengrich draws attention to the fact that these burial mounds—which are located throughout Florida's coast—don't truly shield the state from hurricanes. Local legends or not, the piece emphasizes the significance of being prepared for hurricanes and taking natural disaster preparations seriously, even in light of these fascinating beliefs.